Dallas Cowboys Blog

Before this season, the mere mention of Victor Cruz’s name would have invited shrugs of indifference. But almost overnight Cruz has transformed into one of the league’s most dynamic players and has emerged as a favored target for quarterback Eli Manning.

Through Week 16, Cruz has collected 76 catches, 1,358 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while adding some flair to the Giants’ offense. In a victory over the Jets on Christmas Eve, Cruz made a 99-yard touchdown catch, outrunning defenders along the sideline before zipping into the end zone and doing his trademark Salsa dance.

Cruz, who operates primarily out of the slot, is expected to be covered by Orlando Scandrick this week. After signing a five-year, $27 million contract extension in the summer, Scandrick has underwhelmed.

This season, he has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 66 percent of the passes thrown in his path. Cruz, who made six catches for 74 yards against the Cowboys last month, will challenge Scandrick – a cornerback who still has plenty to prove.